5 Types of service dogs you need to know
Dogs are incredible animals that offer companionship, love, and loyalty to humans. Their unwavering loyalty and affection make them perfect companions for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Dogs have a remarkable ability to assist and support those who require extra help. ALSO READ: How to train your dog to remain calm around other dogs Service and […]
Dogs are incredible animals that offer companionship, love, and loyalty to humans.
Their unwavering loyalty and affection make them perfect companions for individuals with special needs and disabilities.
Dogs have a remarkable ability to assist and support those who require extra help.
ALSO READ: How to train your dog to remain calm around other dogs
Service and assistance dogs play a vital role in the lives of their handlers, providing them with a lifeline of support.
They assist individuals with disabilities by performing tasks such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting the hearing impaired, or providing mobility assistance.
There are various types of service dogs, each trained for specific tasks based on the needs of their handlers.
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1. HEARING DOGS
Dogs can assist individuals with hearing loss.
They alert their owners to important sounds like smoke alarms, doorbells, and timers.
When they hear a noise, they place a paw on their handler.
They guide their handler towards or away from the sound.
They are invaluable companions for individuals with hearing loss.
2. SEIZURE ALERT AND RESPONSE DOGS
Certain dogs can be trained to detect and respond to seizures.
They can recognize when their handler is about to have a seizure.
These dogs are capable of calling for help and positioning themselves to protect their handler.
Larger support dogs can even move their owners to a safe location.
Interestingly, some pet dogs have been reported to predict seizures without any training at all.
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3. AUTISM SERVICE DOGS
Autism service dogs are invaluable companions for individuals with autism.
They offer emotional support and stress relief.
These dogs help their handlers build confidence and navigate social settings.
They assist in connecting with people and fostering social interactions.
For children with autism, service dogs can provide additional safety measures.
They help protect and keep track of children who may tend to run away or wander off.
The dogs serve as both friends and guardians, enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with autism.
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4. THERAPY DOGS
Therapy dogs have a different role compared to emotional support dogs.
They are trained to visit various locations like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.
Their purpose is to provide comfort and companionship to individuals in need.
Therapy dogs are calm in unfamiliar and busy environments, and places with loud noises and movements.
They are comfortable with being handled by a variety of people since many will want to pet them.
5. MOBILITY ASSISTANCE DOGS
Mobility assistance dogs provide valuable support to individuals with mobility impairments.
The dogs undergo specialized training to develop the skills necessary for aiding their handlers.
They are trained to help with various tasks, such as opening doors, turning on lights, and pressing buttons.
Their assistance enhances independence and improves the daily lives of individuals with mobility challenges.
The jobs performed by service dogs are truly amazing and have a profound impact on the lives of their handlers.
Whether it’s providing physical assistance, emotional support, or therapeutic benefits, dogs have a unique capacity to make a positive impact on people’s lives.